PBP - Winter Holidays and Family

"This time of year, there are many different celebrations going on, most often ones that bring family close together. While it can be nice to see everyone again, it can also be stressful, when your family doesn't feel the same way about things as you do.

So, how do you deal with them? Do you simply avoid all talk of religion, even though the holidays can be very religious? Or perhaps it's just easier to avoid family all together....

If your family actually believes as you do, then perhaps these holiday gatherings aren't tough at all. Please, share with us how your Pagan winter family gathering go..."

Well, anyone who has read this knows that I live with my Catholic parents. I try to avoid all talk of religion though it's hard especially when my mother will see my nephew staring at the light or the ceiling fan and make the claim that he can see Jesus in the light. I have to stifle a moan and bite my tongue. Everything during the holidays is a miracle, dad gets his bonus (which he gets every damned year)? Miracle! We bought just enough food to feed everyone for the Christmas get together? Miracle! She found the perfect present for everyone? Miracle!

It's a little infuriating. Okay a lot, but yes it makes family gatherings awkward and I wish I could say that when I finally move out I'll be more out and out about my faith and my beliefs with my family but I just can't know right now. 

Also as I have no one around me that believes as I do, I don't get to really celebrate Yule. I send up fervent prayers throughout the day but I don't get to perform a ritual. I don't get to actually celebrate and again I wish I could say that when I move out that will change but I just can't know.

What about you, dear readers? What are your thoughts?

)o(Jena